The claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and a rating in excess of 20 percent for a thoracolumbar spine disability, characterized as degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis, are remanded due to inadequate VA medical opinions.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the VA examiners' opinions were not adequate because they did not address the issue of additional range of motion estimates on weight-bearing as instructed in a prior remand.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, Thoracolumbar spine disability (characterized as degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 23, 2025
- Citation
- 25008263
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine but denied a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Partly granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted a 30 percent rating, while the lumbar and lower extremity radiculopathy claims are denied. An earlier effective date for right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted, and TDIU based on single service-connected disability is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability.
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